Shirley Jean Stecker

Shirley Jean Stecker

Sept. 3, 1930 - Sept. 15, 2013

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Shirley J. Stecker died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2013, at her home following a valiant battle with cancer. She was 83.

She was born Sept. 3, 1930, to Virgil and Ruth Cooper Shackelford in Imperial, Nebraska. Shirley was the eldest of four children born to this union. She attended school getting her accreditation to be a teacher. She taught the 1948/49 school year at the school south east of Trenton. She was united in marriage May 26, 1949, to Henry D. Stecker in Palisade, Nebraska. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last May.They made their home in the Trenton and Culbertson areas before moving to McCook.

Shirley was a hard working farm wife and mother, but also enjoyed her job as hostess at the Chief Restaurant. Shirley enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She and Hank enjoyed playing cards and square dancing. She was a member of a monthly bridge club. Shirley spent many hours quilting, gardening, playing piano and giving lessons. She played the organ/piano for church for more than 54 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Patricia Melchert and her husband, Burdette.

Survivors are husband, Henry of McCook; sons, Robert and wife, Carol of McCook, Jack and wife, Christa of Yukon, Oklahoma, and Tom and wife, Lynn of St. Augustine, Florida; brothers, Dean Shackelford and wife, Wyona of Trenton, Nebraska and Duane Shackelford and wife, Grace of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Les; sister-in-law, Nadine Wolters; grandchildren, Ryan Stecker, Darcy and husband, Tony Rouse, Sean and wife Renee Stecker, Jessi and husband, Stephen Grzybowski, Seth, Brian, and Katie; three great-grandchildren; one aunt, Thelma Mathes; special family friends, the Williamson's, and many relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Culbertson, Nebraska.

Interment will be at the Trenton cemetery.

Herrmann Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.